Taxi Driver Online

Certainly got off lightly in terms of fines and costs etc.

But a different matter as regards having to compensate for all the damage caused...assuming the driver ever sees the money...

And nearly £2k of damage for two kicks sounds a tad over-the-top anyway. But we all know how these things work at times

And as regards the press report, it kind of gives the impression that the figures in the headline and strapline are the wrong way round - surely the headline should say 'nearly £2,000 worth of damage', and then the £1,900 figure should be in the strapline?


Kendal man kicked Lakeside Taxis vehicle causing £1,900 damage

https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/25890603 ... 00-damage/

A ‘PHYSICALLY confrontational’ drunk taxi passenger has been sentenced after he caused nearly £2,000 worth of damage.

Matthew Graham, of Helmside Road, Oxenholme, was picked up by Lakeside Taxis at 4:20pm on June 27 last year, South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

Prosecutor Peter Kelly said it became clear the 33-year-old defendant did not have the finances to pay for the journey.

The defendant said a third party would pay on their arrival at the destination and the taxi company were content with that, the court heard.

“Matters escalated in a physical confrontation between the defendant and the driver,” Mr Kelly said.

“Upon exiting the vehicle, the defendant kicked out at the door twice causing £1,891.20 worth of damage.”

The court heard Graham had no previous criminal convictions.

Graham pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to one count of criminal damage to property valued under £5,000.

In mitigation, duty solicitor Andy Gallagher said: “He still has no recollection of the incident but he holds his hands up.

“He is not currently in employment and has very recently put in a claim for Universal Credit. There is very little else to say for this matter.”

Magistrates said it was ‘sad to see’ a man with no previous convictions lose his good character.

They fined him £40 and ordered him to pay every penny back to Lakeside Taxis in compensation.

Court costs of £85 and a £16 victim surcharge were also sought.

He will pay the money back via a 'Deduction of Benefits Order'.

So basically, it will be taxpayers, over a period of years, who will be paying for it.

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